Bayfield American Legion Post 143 conducted a ceremony to retire and burn the tattered American flag on Dec. 12 that has flown at Pine River Public Library. A Color Guard lowered the old flag and folded it into the traditional triangle. Then the members raised a new flag. Library Director Shelley Walchak lit the outside gas-fired fire pit. Once the fire got going, Post 143 member Al Rudolph placed the folded old flag into the flames. Several other old flags, also folded into triangles, were placed in the fire. Post members and others watched as the flames consumed them.
Post member Richard Schleeter, who also is the county's Veterans' Service Officer, said Post 143 was established in 1921 by World War I veterans. He advised that any American flag, from cheap gauze to fine silk, should be retired with the same respect.
